The investigation into the optimisation of cross laminated timber panels for use in the Australia building industry

[Abstract]: This research paper will investigate the viability of using Low/Utility grade timber to construct timber beams, plate members and solid wall structures via a Cross-lamination process known as CLT. More specifically it will aim to uncover an optimum set to material specifications and dimensions for an engineered panel design. Due the many faults and defects in the utility grade timber it is often left to be used in wood chipping and wooden pallet manufacture, still this leaves a significant amount of product in storage, costing Hyne money. As well as producing a new structurally competitive product for Hyne Timber Australia, developing a method to structurally stabilise utility grade timber will drastically reduce wastage in the wood industry as well as provide an alternative to conventional brick and mortar building. The modelling procedure will be undertaken in the finite element modelling software package Strand 7. These models are built upon the current known data for the mechanical properties of Slash Pine. Utilising the known modulus of elasticity and the orientation of grain direction, a finite analysis can be performed, calculating stress and moment distributions and deflections under applied loading. The data gathered from these models will then be used to draw comparisons from standard slab performance tests and the expected usage of CLT panels to help assess with further research whether the development of CLT panels from timber of sub-par quality is viable

Characterisation of passive layers of bronze patinas (Cu-Sn alloys) in relation with the tin content of the alloy

International audienceIn order to develop our knowledge of the relations between the high degree of protectiveness of passive layers and their composition, corroded archaeological bronzes of Bronze Age (1500-950 BC) have been characterised by different methods of analysis. Results reveal that the passive layers have a bilayer structure and are due to the selective dissolution of copper from the copper solid solution of the alloy to the electrolyte. For all of the objects, the ratio [(Sn/Cu)p / (Sn/ Cu)a], with p for the outermost passive layer and a the alloy, has about the same value. Sn concentration within outermost passive layers is discussed in relation with the theoretical implications of the Kirchheim model

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Alzheimer’s dementia with positron emission tomography imaging: a case report

A 58-year-old female was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) which was rapidly progressive in the 8 months prior to initiation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). 18Fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging demonstrated global and typical metabolic deficits in AD (posterior temporal-parietal watershed and cingulate areas). An 8-week course of HBOT reversed the patient’s symptomatic decline. Repeat PET imaging demonstrated a corresponding 6.5–38% regional and global increase in brain metabolism, including increased metabolism in the typical AD diagnostic areas of the brain. Continued HBOT in conjunction with standard pharmacotherapy maintained the patient’s symptomatic level of function over an ensuing 22 months. This is the first reported case of simultaneous HBOT-induced symptomatic and 18FDG PET documented improvement of brain metabolism in AD and suggests an effect on global pathology in AD

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in in Neurodegenerative Disease with Case Presentations of Alzheimer\u27s Disease

Dr. Harch’s keynote will outline his case presentations on Alzheimer’s, supported by Dr. Fogarty. To better understand that neurodegenerative diseases result from a combination of genetic factors and cumulative environmental factors that generate central nervous system inflammation and wounding. To understand the positive and negative literature on HBOT in a variety of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopment diseases and the effects of HBOT on inflammation

Management of type 2 diabetes

Objective: This article describes the evaluation of a new model of partnership care using an audit cycle. Results: Statistically significant improvements in foot examination, body mass index, urine albumin creatinine ratio, total cholesterol, triglycerides and visual acuity measurements were observed. Significant increases in the proportion of patients achieving cholesterol and triglycerides therapeutic targets occurred. Most other outcome indicators demonstrated a nonsignificant improvement, which may be due to the short time interval in the audit for potential change. Conclusion: A dedicated chronic disease team and a clinical information system to coordinate culturally appropriate, multidisciplinary chronic disease care enables effective management of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes

Subacute normobaric oxygen and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in drowning, reversal of brain volume loss: a case report

A 2-year-old girl experienced cardiac arrest after cold water drowning. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed deep gray matter injury on day 4 and cerebral atrophy with gray and white matter loss on day 32. Patient had no speech, gait, or responsiveness to commands on day 48 at hospital discharge. She received normobaric 100% oxygen treatment (2 L/minute for 45 minutes by nasal cannula, twice/day) since day 56 and then hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) at 1.3 atmosphere absolute (131.7 kPa) air/45 minutes, 5 days/week for 40 sessions since day 79; visually apparent and/or physical examination-documented neurological improvement occurred upon initiating each therapy. After HBOT, the patient had normal speech and cognition, assisted gait, residual fine motor and temperament deficits. MRI at 5 months after injury and 27 days after HBOT showed near-normalization of ventricles and reversal of atrophy. Subacute normobaric oxygen and HBOT were able to restore drowning-induced cortical gray matter and white matter loss, as documented by sequential MRI, and simultaneous neurological function, as documented by video and physical examinations

Low pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy and SPECT brain imaging in the treatment of blast-induced chronic traumatic brain injury (post-concussion syndrome) and post traumatic stress disorder: a case report

A 25-year-old male military veteran presented with diagnoses of post concussion syndrome and post traumatic stress disorder three years after loss of consciousness from an explosion in combat. The patient underwent single photon emission computed tomography brain blood flow imaging before and after a block of thirty-nine 1.5 atmospheres absolute hyperbaric oxygen treatments. The patient experienced a permanent marked improvement in his post-concussive symptoms, physical exam findings, and brain blood flow. In addition, he experienced a complete resolution of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. After treatment he became and has remained employed for eight consecutive months. This case suggests a novel treatment for the combined diagnoses of blast-induced post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder

Measures of nutrient processes as indicators of stream ecosystem health

To better understand how freshwater ecosystems respond to changes in catchment land-use, it is important to develop measures of ecological health that include aspects of both ecosystem structure and function. This study investigated measures of nutrient processes as potential indicators of stream ecosystem health across a land-use gradient from relatively undisturbed to highly modified. A total of seven indicators (potential denitrification; an index of denitrification potential relative to sediment organic matter; benthic algal growth on artificial substrates amended with (a) N only, (b) P only, and (c) N and P; and delta N-15 of aquatic plants and benthic sediment) were measured at 53 streams in southeast Queensland, Australia. The indicators were evaluated by their response to a defined gradient of agricultural land-use disturbance as well as practical aspects of using the indicators as part of a monitoring program. Regression models based on descriptors of the disturbance gradient explained a large proportion of the variation in six of the seven indicators. Denitrification index, algal growth in N amended substrate, and delta N-15 of aquatic plants demonstrated the best regression. However, the delta N-15 value of benthic sediment was found to be the best indicator overall for incorporation into a monitoring program, as samples were relatively easy to collect and process, and were successfully collected at more than 90% of the study sites